Fibromyalgia: Introduction

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain disorder that causes widespread pain, tenderness and stiffness in the muscles and fibrous tissues throughout the body. Severe or inadequately treated fibromyalgia can be disabling in some cases and result in difficulties participating in the activities of daily living.

It is not known what exactly causes fibromyalgia. It is believed by some researchers that fibromyalgia might be due to abnormalities in the central nervous system's sensory processing system, which results in an amplification or abnormal perception of pain. Genetic factors may increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia, and it is believed that some cases are triggered by an injury or illness. Fibromyalgia is most common in women, but can occur in both sexes and in all age groups and ethnic populations.

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test to detect it. Making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia includes performing a complete evaluation that includes a medical history, including symptoms, and physical examination. This includes a neurological examination. A neurological exam evaluates the brain and nerves and such functions as level of consciousness, reflexes, sensation, movement, balance, coordination, vision, and hearing. This can help to differentiate between a fibromyalgia and other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy.

Other tests and assessments may be done to rule-out other conditions with similar symptoms. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on specific symptom criteria. These include widespread pain throughout the body for at least three months and tenderness and pain in at least 11 of 18 specific tender points of the body. For more information on tender points and other symptoms, refer to treatment of fibromyalgia.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but compliance with a good treatment plan can help to control symptoms of fibromyalgia to a degree that allows a person to live a productive, active life. Treatment plans include medications and other therapies. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of fibromyalgia. ...more »

Fibromyalgia: Symptoms

People who have fibromyalgia can experience a wide variety of symptoms, and the types and severity of symptoms can vary between individuals. However, fibromyalgia is marked by widespread pain, tenderness and stiffness in the muscles and fibrous tissues throughout the body for at least three months and tenderness and pain in at least 11 of 18 specific tender points of the ...more symptoms »

Fibromyalgia: Treatments

The most effective treatment plan for fibromyalgia uses a multifaceted approach. Treatment plans are also individualized to best address the severity of fibromyalgia, the patient's age, lifestyle, medical history and other factors.

Medications commonly used to treat fibromyalgia include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ...more treatments »

Fibromyalgia: Misdiagnosis

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia may be overlooked or delayed because some physicians and providers are not familiar with the disorder, and because it can be difficult to make a diagnosis. In addition, some symptoms, such as widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, numbness, and headache can mimic symptoms of other conditions. These include ...more misdiagnosis »

Misdiagnosis and Fibromyalgia

Cluster of diseases with difficult diagnosis issues: There is a well-known list of
medical conditions that are all somewhat difficult to diagnose,...read more »

Leg cramps at night a classic sign: The symptom of having leg muscle cramps,
particularly at night, is a classic sign of undiagnosed diabetes.
However, there are also various other causes...read more »

Article Excerpts about Fibromyalgia

Questions and Answers About Fibromyalgia: NIAMS (Excerpt)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by
widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points.
"Tender points" refers to tenderness that occurs in precise, localized
areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with
this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness,
irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Fibromyalgia: NIAMS)

Questions and Answers About Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases: NIAMS (Excerpt)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes
pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the
bones and joints. Pain and localized tender points occur in the
muscles and tendons, particularly those of the neck, spine, shoulders,
and hips. Patients may experience widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep
disturbances.
(Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases: NIAMS)

Fibromyalgia Research Challenges and Opportunities: NIAMS (Excerpt)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by
widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized
areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips called "tender points."
People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances,
morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other
symptoms. (Source: excerpt from Fibromyalgia Research Challenges and Opportunities: NIAMS)

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